Thursday, April 26

Tree-changers fear loss if mine proceeds




Michael Bowman, at home in Forbesdale. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Residents who established new lives in rural Gloucester before details of a planned open-cut coalmine were made public say they have the most to lose if the project goes ahead.

Described last year by a councillor as "superannuated retirees" who "moved to Gloucester to become shit-stirrers", the residents are taking the possible effects on their property values of the proposed Rocky Hill mine very seriously.
 
One of the newer arrivals, Michael Bowman, is helping the newly formed Forbesdale Residents Action Group to represent people whose properties are the most vulnerable if Gloucester Resources Limited's project is approved.
 
Mr Bowman estimated there were about 30 properties especially at risk, including all 19 properties that formed the Forbesdale estate, a residential area south of Gloucester.
Some of these houses are less than one kilometre from the proposed mine site.
 
Mr Bowman said about 11 of the 30 property owners moved to the area less than 10 years ago for a change of lifestyle.He and his wife Carolyn, a teacher, moved to the estate in 2005 from Sydney.
 
Read More 
 
Newcastle Herald

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